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Statement to Victoria Labour Council re: Sister Amber Hockin

In solidarity with CUPE BC and the sentiments expressed in a recent letter by CUPE BC President Mark Hancock, I have been asked to bring the following concern forward to the Victoria Labour Council:

In November 2014, CUPE BC supported Sister Amber Hockin in her campaign to become President of the BC Federation of Labour. Sister Hockin lost narrowly to Sister Irene Lanzinger.

Immediately after the BC Federation of Labour convention, Sister Hockin was demoted by her employer, the Canadian Labour Congress, from her position as Pacific Regional Director of the Canadian Labour Congress. This appears to be in direct contravention of her Collective Agreement and her right to seek elected office in the labour movement.

CUPE 2081 is deeply disappointed that even though a grievance has been filed on Sister Hockin’s behalf, the employer has not backed down from their decision.

I ask the Executive of the Victoria Labour Council, and all persons in this room, to take a moment and think about what your union would do if one of your members were treated in this manner.